Leaning Into the Uncomfortable: Summer’s Silver at the World Odaiko Competition

Sometimes, the biggest moments begin quietly.

Earlier this year, our very own Summer made a decision. One she didn’t broadcast widely, one she held close. She entered the 2025 World Wadaiko Competition in Okaya, Japan, competing in the Women’s Master Division. Not for recognition. Not for certainty of outcome. But to try something big. Something new.

Something that felt, in her own words, incredibly scary. “I wasn’t sure I was ready. But I knew if I kept waiting until I felt ready, I might never do it.”

That spirit of stepping into discomfort, of choosing growth over ease is at the heart of what we strive for at La Jolla Taiko.

And this weekend, that quiet decision turned into something extraordinary.

Summer took SILVER 🥈 at the World Odaiko Competition.

It’s easy to celebrate the result. And we absolutely are as this is an incredible accomplishment on a global stage. But what inspires us most is everything that came before it.

The daily commitment.

The technical refinement.

The mental resilience.

The willingness to face self-doubt and show up anyway.

As taiko players, we know that growth doesn’t happen only in performance. It happens in the repetitions, in the corrections, in the moments where things don’t quite land, and we choose to keep going.

Summer embodied that process fully. She challenged herself not just physically, but emotionally. She leaned into uncertainty. She trusted her training, her voice, and her presence.

At La Jolla Taiko, we are always learning. We push ourselves to improve our technique, to deepen our understanding of the art form, and to explore how traditional taiko can live and evolve alongside global and contemporary influences. We work hard but we also make space for joy, curiosity, and connection.

Summer’s journey is a reflection of all of that.

Her achievement reminds us that growth lives outside our comfort zones, that fear can be a signal, not a stop sign, and that taking risks, whether quiet or bold, can lead to something transformative.

Most of all, it reminds us why we do this.

Not just to perform. Not just to achieve. But to continue learning, to challenge ourselves, and to grow together.

Summer, we are beyond proud of you!

Thank you for showing us what it looks like to take that leap. To trust the process. To carry both strength and vulnerability onto the stage.

You inspire us to keep pushing, to keep exploring, and to keep showing up—even when it feels uncomfortable.

And yes - we’re also just really, really excited for you. 🎉

Local news captured the events of the day:

If this story resonates with you, we’d love to have you be part of our journey—whether that means following along, coming to a performance, or stepping into the dojo and trying taiko for yourself.